Fiji-born Highlanders winger Timoci Tavatavanawai is one step away from making his international debut for the All Blacks against France after he was named on the bench in the All Blacks' match day 23 squad named by coach Scott Robertson today.
Veteran backrower Ardie Savea has been named to captain the side after Scott Barrett failed to recover from an injury he suffered against the French last week.
Hooker Codie Taylor and outside back Jordie Barrett have been named as Assistant Captains.
Ethan De Groot, Taylor and Fletcher Newell will start in the front row, Patrick Tuipolotu and Fabian Holland will partner up at locks, Tupou Vaa'i and Ardie Savea will be at flanker, and Christian Lio-Willie will be at number 8.
Cam Roigard will start at 9, Beuden Barrett will be at flyhalf while Jordie Barrett and Billy Proctor will start in the centres.
Caleb Clarke and Rieko Ioane will start on the wings and Will Jordan will be at fullback.
The impact players are Samisoni Taukeiaho, Ollie Norris, Pasilio Tosi, Samipeni Finau, Du'Plesis Kirifi, Cortez Ratima, Timoci Tavatavanawai, and Damien McKenzie.
The All Blacks will take on France at 7.05pm this Saturday in Wellington.
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